• Vivendi Seve Trophy

Olazabal angry over Seve Trophy absentees

Jose Maria Olazabal is unhappy with the no-shows of Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: I'll never be as good as Woods once was - McIlroy
  
• News: McGinley's men cling on for dramatic victory
  
• News: McGinley regrets Rory and Donald no-shows
  
• Profile: Martin Kaymer | Graeme McDowell | Rory McIlroy

Europe's 2012 Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal has blasted the high profile names who opted not to play in last week's Vivendi Seve Trophy.

Olazabal - who will lead the European team at Medinah next September - personally sent letters to all the high-profile European players before the event, asking them to represent their respective teams in France to show their respect for Seve Ballesteros, who died in May this year.

But nevertheless Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell were all high-profile absentees from the event between Great Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe - despite being vocal in their tributes to Seve at the time of his death - and Olazabal is disappointed with their decisions.

"We all know how instrumental Seve had been to the growth of the European Tour," said Olazabal. "I know the younger generation did not have the chance to play when Seve was around but we are here playing on the European Tour in many ways because of Seve.

"Seve was the first man who was instrumental in turning things around on the European Tour for the better and the younger players now on the European Tour need to remember that.

"They should make a little extra effort and make this event what it deserves to be."

Kaymer and McIlroy cited a combination of tiredness and scheduling for their absences - while Olazabal has previously made it clear it will not affect his decision-making next September.

However, the two-time major winner hopes a change of date for the event will put an end to the practice of players opting not to play.

"In two years' time we are hoping this event moves to the week of the Presidents Cup, and after the end of the FedEx Cup, and if that is the case there will be no excuse not to be present," he added.

Olazabal's predecessor as Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie, echoed his disappointment.

"I can understand it if there is FedExCup involved but if players aren't involved in the USA they should be here," he said. "Why aren't Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer playing? Scheduling?

"You don't get players pulling out of the Presidents Cup do you?"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.